I agree with all that is stated here. Larger tanks equate to larger water changes, more power consumption, and more initial set-up costs. The benefit is a more stable envirinment and less chance of an expensive crash. You can do a nice set-up in a 55 gallon, I actually like the more narrow profile. Once you do it, you will want a 100+ gallon though....... Ask me how I know

About 3 weeks ago I was all primed to start my first SW tank, a 90Gal. I ony have room for a 4ft tank and I thought the 90 was the largest 4ft made. As I went to AGA to find the actual dimensions(for the stand) of the 90 I discovered the 120.

So anywho my 120 will be here on Friday. Now that the stand is done and in place I'm kinda stunned/scared on how big this thing is gonna be. But don't get me wrong its gonna be a ton of fun.

The 120 is a third larger than the 90, which means more stability but also 6in more of fish. The change in cost for me from a 90 to 120 wasn't very drastic.

I started with 29 and 38 galFO tanks. I now have a 75 gal reef with a sump and fuge. Make sure you are committed to the time and money before you buy that big tank. I like my 75 but I could see a 120+ sometime later

From what I've seen, I think I will go with something in the 75-90 gal range, as it should fit nicely into my budget. If I can find a good deal on a 120, I might cave. As far as purchasing is concerned, my plan was to buy the tank accessories first with the tank size in mind, and then buy the tank last. That way, I can hopefully purchase quality parts and not have to settle for the cheapies after blowing my wad on a huge tank! :P

My current plan right now is to go with a FOWLR tank for now with some coral somewhere down the road. As far as livestock is concerned, I have been planning on having what seems to be the solid choice for starter fish, a Tang, a Clownfish or two, maybe a couple of Damsels or Chromis. Although I have heard that Chromis might have issues with the Clowns. And of course, a nice cleanup crew as well!

My 2 blue/green chromis do very well with 2 perc clowns in a 75g. You might wanna consider the chromis instead of the Damsels. I've heard stories of the territorial buggers (depending on the type, of course) wreaking havoc and how they were so hard to remove with the rock in place. And depending on the tang choice, it might have to go in near last or last instead of as a starter.

Good luck!

__________________
-Ray-

"Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"